Constantinople to Istanbul Lecture with Nicholas Ross 9th March 2027

Constantinople to Istanbul: One City, Two Empires

Lecture by Nicholas Ross

Brompton Oratory and The V&A South Kensington

Coffee · Lecture · Lunch · Exhibition

9th March 2027

For more than 1,600 years, Constantinople — now Istanbul — stood at the crossroads of empires, faiths and cultures. From the splendour of the Byzantine Empire to the magnificence of the Ottoman court, its artistic and cultural legacy has shaped the history of Europe and the wider Mediterranean world.

Join Nick Ross for a fascinating lecture inspired by the V&A’s forthcoming exhibition, Constantinople to Istanbul: One City, Two Empires, exploring the remarkable story of this imperial capital through its art, design and architecture.

Discover exquisite textiles, jewellery, intricate mosaics, manuscripts and objects that illuminate the lives of emperors and ordinary citizens alike. Explore how Christianity and Islam shaped artistic traditions, how imperial power was expressed through extraordinary craftsmanship and ceremony, and how the city’s diverse communities contributed to its rich cultural identity.

From ancient Roman foundations to the vibrant cosmopolitan city of the nineteenth century, this is a journey through centuries of creativity, conquest and cultural exchange — revealing how two great empires helped shape a city whose influence continues to resonate today.

Order of Events

10:30 Coffee in St. Joseph’s Hall, Brompton Oratory – Brompton Rd, London SW7 2RP

11:00 Lecture in St. Joseph’s Hall, Brompton Oratory

12:30 Lunch at Lina Stores – 15 Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2HE

14:00 Exhibition at The V&A South Kensington

(Please note this is just a suggested entry time as we are unable to guide in the exhibition, and so we do not accompany you in or buy your tickets)